Track: Good 4 Weather: Fine

There is a full field of 18 runners for the 2024 HKJC World Pool Q22, with 15 geldings, 2  stallions and one mare. There are four 4YO, five 5YOs, three 6YOs, two 7YOs, three 8YOs and one 9YO. Ten of them had their last start in the Group 1 Doomben Cup over 2000m at Doomben on 25th May (won by Bois D’argent) and four in the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup over 1800m at Eagle Farm on 1st June (won by Just Folk), while the rest came via different races. Annabel Neasham has 5 runners, Kris Lees has 3 while Chris Waller, Ciaron Maher and Danny O’Brien have 2 each.

The betting is fairly open. The early favourite is Fawkner Park who won the Albury Cup then the Wagga Cup before a close 3rd in the Doomben Cup. Second favourite is Kovalica who was 6th in the Doomben Cup after 3rd in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes over 1800m at Sunshine Coast on 11th May. Third favourite is Adelaide River who made his Australian debut with 9th in the Lord Mayors Cup. Bois D’argent was a narrow winner of the Doomben Cup, while Hezashocka won the Group 3 BRC Premier’s Cup over 2400m at Eagle Farm on 1st June . All other runners are currently over $14.

1. Numerian (10)

Won this race in 2022.Resumed from a spell with a good win in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes over 1800m at Sunshine Coast on 11th May, then disappointed for 11th in the Doomben Cup. Don’t dismiss.

2. Huetor (17)

He was slowly away and came from well back to finish 4th in the Doomben Cup. The wide gate won’t be a problem and he is one of the chances.

3. Light Infantry Man (5)

Resumed from a spell for 2.1 lengths in the Listed Scone Cup on 17th May.and goes well second-up.

4. Bois D’argent (4)

A narrow winner of the Doomben Cup at big odds where he relished the soft track. Chance.

5. Kovalica (12)

He was 6th in the Doomben Cup after 3rd in the Hollindale Stakes on 11th May. He’s won 3 from 3 at Eagle Farm and is a genuine chance..

6. Adelaide River (6)

Made his Australian debut with 9th in the Lord Mayors Cup. He has good overseas form so keep an eye on the betting.

7. Le Don De Vie (15)

Unlikely.

8. Vow And Declare (2)

If the track stays good the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner can make his presence felt.

9. Young Werther (14)

Looking to others.

10. Spirit Ridge (16)

Won the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap over 2000m at Doomben on 18th May. Place chance.

11. El Bodegon (13)

Looks tested.

12. Cleveland (11)

Ran last when resuming on 1st June. Will need another run or two before he shows his best.

13. Hezashocka (1)

Won the Group 3 BRC Premier’s Cup over 2400m at Eagle Farm on 1st June. Drawn perfectly and can be there at the finish.

14. Naval College (7)

Ran 5th in the Doomben Cup. Not out of it.

15. Fawkner Park (3)

Won the Albury Cup then the Wagga Cup before a close 3rd in the Doomben Cup.Strong chance.

16. Converge (8)

Runner-up in the Lord Mayors Cup. Place chance.

17. Knight’s Choice (9)

Faded late for 4th in the Lord Mayors Cup. Unlikely.

18. Amokura (18)

Has won at this track and trip combination before but seems unlikely.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
13 Hezashocka
15 Fawkner Park
5 Kovalica
8 Vow And Declare

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	15 Fawkner Park
2nd	17 Knight’s Choice	3.87 lengths
3rd	4 Bois D’argent	5.3 lengths
4th	8 Vow And Declare	5.59 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

There were no scratchings.